Published at 3:58 PM PDT on Apr 9, 2015

Receive the latest the-scene updates in your inbox

The boat-beautiful burg throws a splashy (literally) weekend-long party from April 10 through 12.

It's a true fact of life that we all have those terrific friends who deserve some celebrating when their big life events roll around, but they're too humble and busy doing their thing. So we step in to plan the party.

Great towns are like those great friends. A city isn't going to throw itself a party, but city fans can, and should, if the place has meant a lot to them over the years.

Marina del Rey is one such burg. It's marking its 50th Anniversary in 2015, and the people who call its mid-century-esque buildings and photo-ready boats home are ready to live it up in honor of their Pacific-pretty municipality.

One day just won't do for MdR's big half-century bash, so activities'll roll out from Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12. Look for tall ships to be paying tribute to the town all three days (with tours, cannon battles and other showy doings), and look for deals at local businesses like Marty the Pelican and Foghorn Harbor Inn all weekend long. The recently redone Marina del Rey Hotel is in on the birthday fun, as is The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

And starting it all off? A Three Dog Night concert on Friday, April 10, followed by fireworks. This is how friends fete a friend on their 50th: Bright lights and good tunes.

Food trucks? They'll be around. A special 50th Anniversary cake? Look for the official ceremonious cake-cutting to happen at 6 p.m. on April 10.

And if you're anywhere in the vicinity of the beach communities 'round about 8:30 on April 10, you'll see some pyrotechnics over the Pacific, a sight normally reserved for Independence Day.

But a half-century birthday is a huge deal, especially for a town that was once eyed as a potential commercial harbor. Need to know more of Marina del Rey's fascinating backstory? Point your schooners in this direction, Marina mavens.